Event Details - Holiday Lighting Ceremony on 11/1
The annual Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony will take place Friday, November 1, in Old Town Square!
Live music will be performed on the stage by Space Force in Old Town Square from 5:30-7 p.m., with a short ceremony taking place at 6:30 p.m. before the lights turn on.
The Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony takes place in Old Town Square. The event brings thousands of people to Downtown Fort Collins every year, so prepare for limited parking availability and traffic congestion. Additionally, visitors can expect road closures and detours surrounding Old Town Square.
New! Road Closures in the Area
This year, road closures will be placed on streets surrounding the Old Town Square, including Walnut St. and Linden St. "No Parking" signage will be posted 24 hours before the event, and cars parked in the event area will be towed.
Road Closure Details:
- Walnut St. and the 200 block of Linden St. closed to vehicles
- "No parking" starts at 2:00 p.m. - vehicles on street will be towed*
- Pedestrian-only zone for shopping, dining, and entertainment from 3-8:30 p.m.
- Mountain Ave. between College Ave. and Remington St. closed starting at 4:30 p.m.
Please follow all posted signage to ensure safety for all attending.
*Cars parked in signed areas will be towed and relocated to Northside Aztlan Community Center, located at 112 E. Willow St. Fort Collins, CO 80524.
Inquire About Renting Our Spaces
Fill out the form linked below to share details about your upcoming event, preferred date and time, desired facility, and more. The reservation team will be in touch with you shortly to confirm your reservation.
Rent Our Spaces#
The City of Fort Collins Recreation Department offers more than just local fitness centers. Our venues are unique and accessible locations that can fit the needs and budget for your next special event. Whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday party, or neighborhood get-together, Recreation is available to make our next celebration memorable. Our facilities range in size to welcome small groups of guests for intimate gatherings and groups of more than 1,500 guests for larger events.
Please note rental information is subject to change. For current information, including virtual tours select the specific recreation facility at fcgov.com/recreation/facilities.
For additional questions, please email RecEventRentals@fcgov.com.
Rental Information Guide
Learn about the variety of rental options at each recreation facility in our informational guide.
Birthday Party Reservation
Celebrate your next birthday at City Park Pool, Mulberry Pool, or EPIC!
FAQs
Have questions about rentals? Check out the list of frequently asked questions here.
Facility Rental FAQs#
Interested in renting one of our spaces but don't know where to start? Check out the list of FAQs below.
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Yes, depending on your event, we require anywhere from a $50.00-$500.00, refundable deposit fee for all events. We do not hold dates without a deposit paid.
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Yes, but there are strict policies that will be enforced. Please see below:
Alcohol Policy for Rentals#
Renters will be allowed to bring alcohol into Recreation facilities provided the following stipulations are met:
- The renter has a rental that has been previously scheduled with City Staff with a minimum of 30 days advance notice.
- Alcohol cannot be sold and must be provided free of charge to guests.
- For example, if a renter is going to sell alcohol as part of a silent auction or as a raffle prize (where tickets are purchased for entry), the renter, if eligible, will need to obtain a liquor special event permit. Alternatively, if the actual alcohol is not brought on premises (i.e., a photo of the alcohol or an empty bottle representing the alcohol) no special event permit would be needed.
- Alcohol can be served until 11 p.m.
- Alcohol will only be allowed if it consists of:
- Wine, or sparkling wine.
- Malt beverage, beer, or seltzer of up to 8% ABV (e.g., beer, seltzer).
- Security staff will verify ABV levels of all alcohol before the event begins.
- Spirits, hard alcohol, and mixed drinks are not permitted.
- Alcohol brought on site must be in original commercial container (i.e., wine bottle, beer can)
- Kegged beer is not permitted.
- Glass bottled beer is not permitted.
- All alcohol must be stored and distributed from a centralized location for the duration of the event.
- Individuals may receive a maximum of two alcoholic beverages at a time from the centralized alcohol distribution area.
- Any beverages that require serving in cups (e.g., wine) must be poured by a person 21 years or older who is designated by the event host.
- The renter has paid for a TULIP event insurance policy through the City of Fort Collins.
- The renter must pay for third-party security personnel at the required staffing levels listed below for each event.
- Security guard requirements:
- 1 guard for events with 1-25 guests
- 2 guards for events with 26-80 guests
- 3 guards for events with 81-120 guests
- 4 guards for events with 121-200 guests
- 5 guards for events with 201-300 guests
- 6 guards for events with 301-500 guests
- Events with over 500 people will be handled on a case-by-case basis
- Security will be in the facility 30 minutes before alcohol service is scheduled to start.
- Security will stay in place until alcohol leaves the premises or the event ends, whichever time is later.
- Third-party security personnel will require a wristband system (provided by the City of Fort Collins) to be in place that identifies legal age consumption vs underage individuals for events.
- If a person is seen in possession of an alcoholic beverage after the individual has been cut-off from alcohol service and consumption, then the event will be shut down by either City of Fort Collins staff or the Security provider. If renters disregard the direction of staff or security, local law enforcement may be contacted.
- Security guard requirements:
- The renter must pay for a third-party TIPS-certified (or equivalent) alcohol server at the required staffing levels listed below for each event.
- One (1) alcohol server for an event with over 50 guests/attendees
- Two (2) or more alcohol servers for an event with over 100 guests/attendees
- All rentals must comply with all state, local, and county laws including but not limited to no service for people under the age of 21. Any law violations will result in the immediate termination of the event by City staff and/or security personnel and law enforcement will be contacted.
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You can fill out our rental inquiry form online: Facility Rental Inquiry Form and our Rental Coordinator will be in touch with you regarding availability. Please allow at least two business days for a reply to your inquiry.
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For events less than 30 days out, we require full payment. For events more than 30 days out, we require the damage deposit fee. All payments can be made over the phone by calling 970-224-6113, or in person at any open recreation facility.
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You can find pricing and a full list of spaces in our rental guide.
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You can email the rental coordinator at cblumenshine@fcgov.com. We look forward to working with you!
Celebrate Your Birthday With Us!#
Birthday packages include admission to the pool and/or ice rink and space to enjoy lunch, dessert, and opening presents. Please note, EPIC is only available for skating birthday parties.
Birthday parties at City Park Pool, EPIC, and Mulberry Pool may be scheduled online without using the interest form. See below for more information.
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City Park Pool
- Party Area Rental - The birthday package includes ten admissions to the pool and two hours in the party area to enjoy lunch, cake, and opening presents. You may swim before, during, and/or after your time in the party area as open hours allow on the day of your rental.
- Entire Pool Rental - The entire pool is yours for up to 4oo guests for your two-hour rental.
Mulberry Pool
The birthday package includes ten admissions to the pool and one hour in the party room to enjoy lunch, cake, and opening presents. You may swim before, during, and/or after your time in the party room as our open hours allow on the day of your rental. The party room includes a small climbing wall, tables, and chairs and can hold approximately 25 guests. Birthdays at Mulberry Pool may be hosted on Saturdays or Sundays. Please note, there are no refrigerators or freezers on site.
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Celebrate your birthday with us at EPIC! The birthday package includes ten admissions to the ice rink and two hours in the party room to enjoy lunch, cake, and opening presents. Please note, skate rental is not included with the party package; $3 per person.
Ice skating party bookings are temporarily unavailable. If you'd like to be notified when bookings reopen, please fill out the inquiry form, and our team will reach out to you as soon as possible.
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City Park Pool Birthday Reservation FAQs
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Party times daily:
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- 4-6 p.m.
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Two-hour rental rate of $114 includes 10 admissions
- Umbrella, North Patio, and South Patio areas are available for rent
- Rental space accommodates 15-20 people; both halves of patio can be reserved to accommodate 30-50 guests
- Swimming is allowed before and/or after your rental; if facility hours allow
- Additional guests (above the 10 included with the party) are paid for on the day of the event at the discounted group rate of 50 cents off normal admission; further discounts are available for large groups by purchasing a punch pass
- Everyone attending parties at City Park Pool must pay admission whether they are swimming or not.
City Park Pool Private Rental FAQs
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Party times daily, except Tuesday & Thursday:
- 6:15-8:15 p.m.
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Two-hour rental rate of $600 includes 400 swim admissions
- Lifeguards are included with your rental
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Additional Rules
- Children under the age of 8 years need to be accompanied by adults in the water at a ratio of 1 adult for every 6 children. Accompanying adults must wear a swimsuit and be within arm's reach of the children in the water.
- Must be 48 inches tall and pass a swim test to use large slides.
- No confetti, pinatas, or alcohol are allowed.
- No food trucks are allowed.
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Party times daily:
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One-hour room rate of $60 includes 10 swim admissions
- Non-swimming guests do not need to pay swim admission.
- Additional swimmers (above the 10 included with the party) are paid for on the day of the event at the discounted group rate of 50 cents off normal admission.
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Open swim time for parties
- Saturdays: 12:30-5:30 p.m.
- Sundays: 12-3 p.m.
- Depending on the party time you select, you are welcome to swim before and/or after your time in the party room as our open swim hours allow.
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Additional Rules
- Children under the age of 8 years need to be accompanied by adults in the water at a ratio of 1 adult for every 6 children.
- Accompanying adults must pay admission, wear a swimsuit, and be within arm's reach of the children in the water.
- No confetti, pinatas, or alcohol are allowed in the party room.
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One-hour room rate of $60 includes 10 swim admissions